December 2012 Notable Toys — Educational

A handheld flash-card game that targets tricky times tables. Kids can play just the ones they want or select them all. Answer as many problems (numbers 0–12) as they can in 60 seconds. Vertical problem format, 2 skill levels, timed/untimed modes, plus fun sound effects. Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

The LaQ Dinosaur T-REX is a clever and creative 4-in-1 kit with 300 standard parts, and 4 specialized parts. Build a ferocious looking T-REX searching for its prey, or an Ankylosaurus, Deinonychus, or Pteranodon. Clear instructions to make each of the dinosaur models are offered in a colorful 24-page instruction guidebook. A Starter’s Model building instruction page is included for beginners. This is a very simple, yet highly creative construction toy block set, which offers an infinite possibility of creation from just 7 types of block parts, including 2 types of base parts and 5 types of joint parts.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Turn one of the most difficult math topics into the most FUN. The NEW Multiplication football is more fun than flash cards for learning these important math facts. Help kids learn the multiplication tables through engaging active play to increase retention and recall for higher test scores. Take along this soft stuffed ball to review the multiplication tables outdoors, indoors and even in the car. It is a colorful picture dictionary on an oversized ball making it easier to catch and throw.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Cross-curricular games packed with 500 grade-level questions. Players spin to see which category their challenge will come from: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies or Mystery Meat. Players must read the statement in the corresponding category on their card and then determine whether it is true or baloney (false). Points are given for correct answers. Each game includes 200, 4-1/4" -dia. cards, spinner and directions.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Excavate 3 genuine shark teeth just like a real paleontologist. Buried inside the shark tooth shaped digging brick shark-lovers will uncover 3 different species of shark teeth. This hands-on kit includes an excavation tool, brush, magnifying glass, full-color information guide, and an activity booklet with 10 fun games, puzzles, and challenges to complete. This is a must have gift for anyone who loves sharks. The genuine specimens in this kit are each millions of years old. This educational gift is a great way to start a fossil collection. Launch date: August 2012.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys; 2012 Seal of Approval - Parent Tested, Parent Approved; 2012 Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products.

The Black Capped Chickadee is a pretty little bird with a pretty “chicka-dee-dee-dee” song. It ranges throughout Canada and the northern United States, including Alaska. The scientific name for the Black Capped Chickadee species is Poecile atricapillus. Black Capped Chickadees can be found anywhere in the woods or even residential areas. They usually flock together. Those flocks are likely to be mixed groups, having other species of small and chirpy birds. They settle on tree branches, woody shrubs, in parks in residential areas, marshes and even weedy fields, which they choose for nesting. They sometimes even use woodpeckers’ abandoned nests. Their nesting season extends from the beginning of May to the end of June.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

"65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science!" continues the fun in the acclaimed One Minute Mysteries series. These brainteasers have a clever twist; kids  must tap into their science wisdom and critical thinking skills to solve them. This entertaining and educational book is great for anyone who loves good mysteries, good science or both. Become a super sleuth with the newest book from this award-winning father-daughter team. Launch date: October 2012.

Twelve Timbers Chalk Board Bubbles are uniquely shaped chalk boards that resemble conversation bubbles. They range in size from 18" to 24" wide and 14" to 20" tall. They come with a colorful border that can be chosen from 31 different colors. Can be hung on a wall, used on a desk or table top, and are fun and durable. This is an American Made Product. Launch date: 2012.

Kids will be amazed as they watch their puzzle come alive with the Puzzle Double! Discover It! Floor Puzzle Bugs. Taking the concept of a traditional puzzle to a new level, this Discover It! puzzle includes five fun, 3-D lenticular stickers. When kids finish piecing together the beautiful 30-piece, talk about puzzles, they simply add the stickers to their matching place in the scene and watch the puzzle come to life and move and change. Additionally, after assembling the puzzle kids can turn it over for a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Puzzle Doubles! Discover It! puzzles will provide children multi-dimensional ways to discover and learn! Puzzle measure 24" X 18". Ages 3+ years. Launch date: 2012.

All aboard the Animal Express Train to learn about animal shapes and colors. Animal Express Train has three play modes- Learn the Color and Animal Shapes, and Find It! that are played by simply inserting the plastic animal shapes into their proper slots. Mode three allows children to control the train by using the infrared remote control to move the train forward and backward. While the train chugs along it plays melodies, the wheels move and the nose blinks. The animal shape pieces can be stored in the handy storage compartment inside the train. Animal Express Train also has an automatic shut-off feature that preserves the battery life of the required three "AA" batteries for the main unit (included) and two "AA" batteries for the remote(not included). Launch date: 2012.

Our count and learn ATM machine will guide children through the grown up world of banking. With three play modes and five different coin values it encourages kids to go to the bank, count coins and determine values. Kids will have a great time inserting the ATM card and entering the PIN number to deposit and release their coins. Requires two "AA" batteries (included). Launch date: 2012.

Step Ups! 4-In-A-Box puzzles area great “starter” puzzles and will help little hands develop their fine motor skills. Step Ups! Puzzle sets contain four puzzles depicting fun characters that young ones will easily recognize. The puzzles progress from 2 pieces to 4 pieces to 6 pieces to 8 pieces, giving children the opportunity to grow with the set as they grow and develop. The 8 piece puzzle brings the characters from the other three puzzles together in one animated scene with lots to discuss and talk about. Step Ups! Are a great way to help toddlers begin building their tactile and problem solving skills. Each puzzle measures approximately 12.5” X 8.5”. Launch date: 2012.

Step Ups! 4-In-A-Box puzzles area great “starter” puzzles and will help little hands develop their fine motor skills. Step Ups! Puzzle sets contain four puzzles depicting fun characters that young ones will easily recognize. The puzzles progress from 2 pieces to 4 pieces to 6 pieces to 8 pieces, giving children the opportunity to grow with the set as they grow and develop. The 8 piece puzzle brings the characters from the other three puzzles together in one animated scene with lots to discuss and talk about. Step Ups! Are a great way to help toddlers begin building their tactile and problem solving skills. Each puzzle measures approximately 12.5” X 8.5”.

Step Ups! 4-In-A-Box puzzles area great “starter” puzzles and will help little hands develop their fine motor skills. Step Ups! Puzzle sets contain four puzzles depicting fun characters that young ones will easily recognize. The puzzles progress from 2 pieces to 4 pieces to 6 pieces to 8 pieces, giving children the opportunity to grow with the set as they grow and develop. The 8 piece puzzle brings the characters from the other three puzzles together in one animated scene with lots to discuss and talk about. Step Ups! Are a great way to help toddlers begin building their tactile and problem solving skills. Each puzzle measures approximately 12.5” X 8.5”. Launch date: 2012.

Step Ups! 4-In-A-Box puzzles area great “starter” puzzles and will help little hands develop their fine motor skills. Step Ups! Puzzle sets contain four puzzles depicting fun characters that young ones will easily recognize. The puzzles progress from 2 pieces to 4 pieces to 6 pieces to 8 pieces, giving children the opportunity to grow with the set as they grow and develop. The 8 piece puzzle brings the characters from the other three puzzles together in one animated scene with lots to discuss and talk about. Step Ups! Are a great way to help toddlers begin building their tactile and problem solving skills. Each puzzle measures approximately 12.5” X 8.5”. Launch date: 2012.

Click It! puzzles take a traditional puzzle and blend it with today's popular technology. After completing the beautifully illustrated 24-piece "talk-about" puzzle, children can use any smart phone or tablet with a QR label reader application to "Click" the barcode and watch their puzzle come to life. The QR barcode will link them to a fun video animation of the puzzle that was just assembled. Additionally if kids flip the puzzle over, it becomes a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Click It puzzles offer the traditional ways of learning along with the high tech ways to discover. Each puzzle measures 24"X18". Launch date: 2012.

Click It! puzzles take a traditional puzzle and blend it with today's popular technology. After completing the beautifully illustrated 24-piece "talk-about" puzzle, children can use any smart phone or tablet with a QR label reader application to "Click" the barcode and watch their puzzle come to life. The QR barcode will link them to a fun video animation of the puzzle that was just assembled. Additionally if kids flip the puzzle over, it becomes a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Click It puzzles offer the traditional ways of learning along with the high tech ways to discover. Each puzzle measures 24"X18". Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20

Click It! puzzles take a traditional puzzle and blend it with today's popular technology. After completing the beautifully illustrated 24-piece "talk-about" puzzle, children can use any smart phone or tablet with a QR label reader application to "Click" the barcode and watch their puzzle come to life. The QR barcode will link them to a fun video animation of the puzzle that was just assembled. Additionally if kids flip the puzzle over, it becomes a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Click It puzzles offer the traditional ways of learning along with the high tech ways to discover. Each puzzle measures 24"X18". Launch date: 2012.

Click It! puzzles take a traditional puzzle and blend it with today's popular technology. After completing the beautifully illustrated 24-piece "talk-about" puzzle, children can use any smart phone or tablet with a QR label reader application to "Click" the barcode and watch their puzzle come to life. The QR barcode will link them to a fun video animation of the puzzle that was just assembled. Additionally if kids flip the puzzle over, it becomes a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Click It! puzzles offer the traditional ways of learning along with the high tech ways to discover. Each puzzle measures 24'X18". Launch date: 2012.

Enjoy two fun-filled playtime activities in one. Each Find It! product combines a puzzle and game into one highly educational, interactive learning experience. First assemble the puzzle, then play the game using the enclosed game pieces. For an additional learning experience, flip the game pieces over to play a word recognition game. Each 50-piece puzzle measures a gian 3'X2'. Launch date: 2012.

Kids will be amazed as they watch their puzzle come alive with the Puzzle Double! Discover It! 3D Space floor puzzle. Taking the concept of a traditional puzzle to a new level, each Discover It! puzzle includes five fun, 3-D lenticular stickers. When kids finish piecing together the beautiful 30-piece, talk about puzzles, they simply add the stickers to their matching place in the scene and watch the puzzle come to life and move and change. Additionally, after assembling the puzzle you can turn it over for a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Puzzle Doubles! Discover It! Space puzzle will provide children multi-dimensional ways to discover and learn. Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Kids will be amazed as they watch their puzzle come alive with the Puzzle Double! Discover It! 3D Safari floor puzzle. Taking the concept of a traditional puzzle to a new level, each Discover It! puzzle includes five fun, 3-D lenticular stickers. When kids finish piecing together the beautiful 30-piece, talk about puzzles, they simple add the stickers to their matching place in the scene and watch the puzzle come to life and move and change. Additionally, after assembling the puzzle you can turn it over for a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Puzzle Doubles! Discover It! puzzles will provide children with multi-dimensional ways to discover and learn. Puzzle measures 24"X18". Launch date: 2012.

Kids wil be amazed as they come alive with the Puzzle Doubles! Discover It! Ocean puzzle. Taking the concept of a traditional puzzle to a new level, each Discover It! Puzzle includes five fun, 3-D lenticular stickers. When kids finish piecing together the beautiful 30-piece, talk about puzzles, they simply add the stickers to their matching place in the scene and watch the puzzle come to life and move and change. Additionally, after assembling the puzzle you can turn it over for a fun coloring activity (crayons not included). Puzzle Doubles! Discover It! Ocean floor puzzle will provide children with multi-dimensional ways to discover and learn. Puzzle measures 24"X 18". Launch date: 2012.

Snowflakes are combinations of frozen ice crystals that fall through the Earth's atmosphere. They form when microscopic super cooled cloud water droplets freeze that are only about the size of four ten thousandths (.00039) of an inch one hundredth of a millimeter (.01 millimeter) in diameter. Snowflakes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Complex shapes develop as the flakes fall through different temperatures and humidity. These droplets are able to remain liquid at temperatures lower than -0º Fahrenheit (-18º Celsius) because in order to freeze, a few molecules in the droplet need to come together by chance to form an arrangement similar to that in an ice lattice molecule; the droplet then freezes around this "nucleus." Experiments show that this chance accumulation of droplets around an ice lattice molecule to form a snowflake occurs at temperatures lower than -31° Fahrenheit (-35° Celsius). Once a droplet has frozen, it grows in the supersaturated cloud environment where air is below the freezing point. These large crystals fall through the atmosphere due to their mass, and may collide with others, sticking together in clusters. These clusters of ice crystals are snowflakes, and are usually the type of ice particles that fall to the ground.